From Financial Ruin to World Stage: Hull KR's Unbelievable Transformation
To truly understand the magnitude of Hull KR's journey, one must first acknowledge the profound depths from which they have risen. When the Super League champions walk out for Thursday's historic World Club Challenge against NRL kings Brisbane Broncos, their long-standing owner Neil Hudgell will be among those who appreciate this moment more than most.
A Quarter-Century of Investment and Resilience
Hudgell has experienced numerous nadirs during his 25-year ownership of Hull Kingston Rovers. The club languished in rugby league's second tier for extended periods and faced financial ruin on multiple occasions. "I vividly remember the old Craven Park, crowds of barely more than 1,000 - people just weren't really interested in Hull KR for long periods of time," Hudgell recalls.
The transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. From a ground with a greyhound track and a single food kiosk, where everyone knew each other by name, to selling out the 25,000-capacity stadium of their great rivals Hull FC in record time for Thursday's historic clash. This represents more than double the capacity of their Craven Park home.
The Road to Redemption
Hull KR's resurgence has been building momentum in recent years, culminating in last season's historic treble - their first trophies in four decades. This achievement marked a turning point for Hudgell, who admits: "I would have always said no right up until the day we completed that treble. We now have a legacy in the history of the sport and the city of Hull. That made it a yes for me."
The club's demographic transformation has been equally significant. "A few years ago the demographic was basically me: older, middle-aged white males," Hudgell notes. "But we've worked to get young kids invested and I suppose that's what you're going to see when it's full on Thursday."
Historic Opportunity Against Brisbane Broncos
Thursday's World Club Challenge represents more than just another match. It offers Hull KR the chance to become the first team from Hull to be crowned world champions in rugby league. "To lay a World Club Challenge on top of that, for Hull KR to be champions of the rugby league world ... well that's immortality stuff isn't it?" Hudgell reflects.
The match will feature compelling individual battles, with Hull KR's England half-back Mikey Lewis going toe-to-toe with Brisbane and Kangaroos superstar Reece Walsh. Despite Brisbane being undoubted favorites and Hull KR coming off a surprise defeat in their Super League opener against newly-promoted York Knights, the opportunity to join legendary English sides like Leeds, Wigan and St Helens as world champions remains within reach.
A City United in Support
The decision to move the game across the city to Hull FC's stadium raised eyebrows initially but has been firmly vindicated by unprecedented demand. Hull KR's crowds have grown from flirting around the 7,000 mark in recent history to regularly exceeding 11,000 attendees last season. The club reports thousands remain on waiting lists for tickets, demonstrating the remarkable growth in supporter engagement.
As Hudgell prepares for what could be the crowning moment of his ownership, he remains philosophical about the journey: "I've seen 10 years of absolutely everything and 30 years of nothing. The moral of the story here is to take nothing for granted. I grew up with Hull KR being a great team. Thursday is the moment of a return to those nights and those days but I'm very conscious nothing lasts forever."
For a club that began the Super League era in rugby league's third tier and faced existential financial threats, Thursday's World Club Challenge represents the culmination of an extraordinary transformation - one that could cement Hull KR's place among rugby league's elite and inspire a new generation of supporters in Hull and beyond.
